"Know Thyself"
I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means, what I want, and what I fear. -Joan Didion
So, I will be the first to admit that I have a hard time saying the above to myself. We all blog about it & how we should be able to say this to ourselves each day but I am still a work in progress!
I saw this great article to share with you & since I want to not sit too long since I am getting sooooooooooooooooo much better - in fact I feel way better today than when I wrote the post for you yesterday. Every day I am closer to that 100%!
A quote from the article I am sharing says this: “Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.” by Eleanor Roosevelt.
I really like that! I think many of us are to often trying to live up to other's standards or expectations. We just feel like we should be doing more or could be better. To get to a point of just accepting who we are, whether we can or can't do something as good as the next person, whether "they" want us to be this way or that way. We all need to get to that point of saying this is me & I am fine with that!
Here is the article: Know Thyself:
This daily discipline of coming to terms with my daily life and myself in its midst could be called an exercise in self awareness. I have recognized more of myself – both the flaws and the gifts of who I am from this year of writing than probably any other single activity I have ever done. I have come to witness myself, or as Eleanor Roosevelt once described it: “Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.”
Finding a clear vision of oneself that looks authentically at not only what we are doing, but more importantly how we do it every day, changes you. Your consciousness changes when you witness your abilities, frailties and virtues. You become responsible for yourself and kinder to yourself in the process because you are no longer a stranger to yourself. Most people don’t take the time and effort it takes to become one’s own friend. Worse still most of us are never taught that this first friendship to ourselves is the one that will make the difference about all the rest. - From Jody - Ain't that the truth!
Doubt and fear about our own self worth is the most common of all human diseases of the heart. Even the most successful people in the world are often dogged and coerced by the parts of themselves they most want to avoid. The tragic thing about our broken pieces is that the longer we push them away and underground, the more broken they become. They grow in our avoidance and even as we avert our eyes or try any number of ways to deny them, they take up more room inside of us.
Here is a simple magic that I promise you works. Whatever is most hidden and dark is only seeking your recognition. All that we need to do is shine a light on the deep corners inside of us. The grief, fear, and guilt shrinks as we witness it. Allowing the feelings to exist and pass through our bodies is how they leave us. Even the fears that seem as though they will paralyze us if we look in their direction, they too will let go their hold, just by resting our gaze on them.
Know thyself. This is the first great commandment of living a human life on earth. Lao Tzu put it like this: “Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.”
Wendy Strgar, owner of Good Clean Love, is a loveologist who writes and lectures on Making Love Sustainable, a green philosophy of relationships which teaches the importance of valuing the renewable resources of love and family. Wendy helps couples tackle the questions and concerns of intimacy and relationships, providing honest answers and innovative advice. Wendy lives in Eugene, Oregon with her husband, a psychiatrist, and their four children ages 11-20.
Your thoughts?????
Categories: Motivation/Support, Life, Awareness, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Inspirational Quotes, Love, Challenges
Tags: acceptance challenges defining you Happiness inspiration inspirational quotes love overcoming the past perception
I really like the whole paragraph that begins with "Finding a clear vision..." --
What does it take to become one's own friend, really? I'm going to be pondering that question for the next day, I'm sure. I could be a better friend to myself -- lots of room for that.
Reply to this
Lots of room here too Gina! A work in progress!
Reply to this
I have come to a point in my life where I feel content with where I am in life as a "thin or fitness" person. That's always been my biggest stumbling block in life being overweight. Now that I am not, its a challenge at times not to fall back into that wo is me attitude.
Reply to this
Sheri, life is all about learning every day.. we can do it.. I keep trying!
Reply to this
When I read articles such as the one you quoted I can't help but think of the line from Batman:
"It's not what you say you are on the inside, it's what you do that defines you."
I encourage everyone to be action oriented if they are looking to be different. Every journey begins with that first step. Perhaps you need to lean back before you take it, but please, don't spend eternity looking for the answers. The answers are found with the stepping.
Reply to this
Dr. J, you always have the best comments!
Reply to this
Getting to really know myself has been a gift with many wonderful and unexpected results...specifically that I have been able to better my relationships with others. I think many have the idea that self-reflection and self-awareness is...well...selfish. But I have found it to be the opposite. And self-love just creates more love.
Reply to this
I agree! It is NOT selfish to take care of ourselves so we can be better for us & others...
Reply to this
still working on this journey of knowing myself...
Reply to this
I am too Sian!
Reply to this
I think knowing oneself and appreciating that self is so important. I see way too many blogs out there that talk about themselves in a way that they would never think of doing to another person, and that is sad.
Or I guess if they do treat others that way as well, I certainly wouldn't want to be around them!
Reply to this
Very valid & important points Lori!
Reply to this
Yep.. I love me is difficult for me to say...because well, there are things I love, things I like, and things I don't. That's what makes it a work in progress, right? The line that stands out for me is Whatever is most hidden and dark is only seeking your recognition. That is what blogging and writing lead me too...
Reply to this